Abstract
Challenges to public sector collective bargaining drive a return to "first principles" regarding underlying rights in the public sector, the nature of public sector work, and the nature of labor markets. Building on this foundation, the paper presents a new institutional framework centered on "creating value" and "mitigating harm" in public sector employment relations. The importance of each is illustrated with data on innovation in public sector education. In particular, a review of seven cases of labor-management innovation in public education reveals the added value that can be achieved through joint initiatives centered on improving educational outcomes. Broader implications for innovation and transformation in public sector labor-management relations are identified. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]